Oakville students, employers and Oakville MP John Oliver gathered inside Town Hall’s South Atrium Thursday (Aug. 24) to celebrate more than $1 million in government funding being used to put 510 Oakville youths to work through the Canada Summer Jobs Program.

The federal program provides funding to help employers create summer job opportunities for students in their community with the intention of helping young Canadians develop the experience and skills they need get their careers started.

The funding was used to create jobs for students in a variety of areas including health care, engineering, finance, research, communications, youth services and more.

“For me this is something I am very passionate about. I have two adult children who had really difficult times finding work during their summer months of high school and university. I also have a 12-year-old who has yet to face that reality of trying to find work,” said Oliver.

“When I was knocking on doors two years ago the people I was finding at home most during the day were people like yourselves, students that weren’t able to find work in that economy at that time. To know that 510 students are at work this summer- getting experience and making money- that’s just a great outcome for this program.”

Oliver took a moment to thank the employers who created the positions for the youths noting that without their work this positive outcome would not have happened.

He also pointed out that the funding that went into the program was money that was well spent.

“As a Canadian I know that Canada’s future prosperity depends on you, on young people today getting the education, getting the experiences you are having this summer that is going to lead you to full employment as adults,” said Oliver.

“Everyone should have a fair opportunity for a good job in Canada.”

Oliver noted the Liberal government has made putting young people to work a priority and has committed an additional $395 million over three years to its Youth Employment Strategy starting 2017.

Each year the government invests $330 million into that strategy.

He also said Ontario’s economic growth is currently among the highest found among G7 countries.

“The jobs are there now. The jobs are opening up,” said Oliver.

“For those of you who are about to graduate or are going into your last years of study, keep an eye on the job market because I believe there is going to be work for you when you come out.”

Those present also heard from Oakville Mayor Rob Burton who said council applauds the federal government and the town’s local representatives for their continued support of the Canada Summer Jobs Program.

As their fellow students enjoyed cake and refreshments during the celebration Joaquin Torres and Andre Isaxell reflected on their time working for the Oakville Humane Society this summer.

“We’re licencing officers so basically we go door-to-door checking dog licences for the Town of Oakville. Every dog in Oakville is required to have a dog licence and our job is to make sure everyone is on top of that and following this bylaw,” said Isaxell.

“I’ve always been interested in the enforcement world. Luckily I am in a program now that has to do with enforcement. This is a huge stepping stone for me.”

Torres also talked about the doors this summer program is opening for him.

“I’m trying to get into veterinary school so this is animal and customer experience for me,” he said.